Travel tips (south) (east) US?

[stefan]

I'm gonna be visiting the States in the summer with my family. Base camp will be Zanesville, OH. We want to take a road trip down to Disney World. Google says it's a 14 hour drive, so we're thinking we'll be able to make it in three days.

Anyone has any tips on things to do/see on the way? My wife has a wish to go drive out to the east coast and take, say, half a day on Myrtle Beach or something like that.

I hardly know anything about the states between Ohio and Florida, so any tips are appreciated

[dgeezer]

I live in Central North Carolina so you'll almost have to pass thru my state on the way to Disney. Myrtle beach is OK but crowded. We have a beach house about an hour north of there and we avoid Myrtle in the summer because the traffic is so bad. Our beaches are far less crowded and developed if you're just looking for a day in the sun. Shameless Plug

Asheville and the Smoky mountains would also be a nice stopover spot. You have great hiking, whitewater rafting, good restaurants, etc available.

[stefan]

I wanna have a go at this...

There is so much to see it's best if you work it out yourself. Think about you favourite American movies / books locations and visit them if they are between A and B. (EG Chattanooga Choo Choo is in Tennessse)

Also remember your favourite Americans (Gracelands?)

Expect many to be smaller than you envisaged them, but also expect many to be 'over the top'.

Try not to miss the Smithsonian, or Cape Canaveral (see if you can time your visit for a shuttle launch).

Shuttle launch would be cool

Being based in Ohio means you should be able to get a good look at the lakes, as well.

We might be going up to Niagara Falls, but if we do, we'll have a guide (The people we stay with)

[stefan]

I live in Central North Carolina so you'll almost have to pass thru my state on the way to Disney. Myrtle beach is OK but crowded. We have a beach house about an hour north of there and we avoid Myrtle in the summer because the traffic is so bad. Our beaches are far less crowded and developed if you're just looking for a day in the sun. Shameless Plug

Good tip. The only reason Myrtle Beach was on the agenda is because it's the only beach we know of over here A day in the sun is just what we want. Or rather, half a day out of the car

Asheville and the Smoky mountains would also be a nice stopover spot. You have great hiking, whitewater rafting, good restaurants, etc available.

Cool, thank's.

[dgeezer]

For a half day side trip I would probably recommend St. Simons Island in Georgia. We stopped there last year on our way down to Disney. It has a nice beach and it's only about 45 minutes off of Interstate 95. Best shrimp and grits I've ever had was here.

[stefan]

You're just a walking fountain of travel tips, aren't you? Great tips, thank's

[dgeezer]

It's easy when you're talking about stuff that's practically in your back yard.

[stefan]

I know. I'll repay you when you visit Sweden next time

[whurlston]

Depending on the route you take from OH to FL:

If you take I-71/I-65, check out Mammoth Cave in KY and Ruby Falls in TN.

If you take I-75, a little detour from Lexington KY will take you to Red River Gorge and Natural Bridge. I can't remember if Ruby Falls is on the way this route or not.

[bdgbill]

I know you probably will not / cannot take my advice but here goes....

Disney World has got to be the most overrated tourist destination on the planet. You will spend 90% of your time standing in lines waiting to be put on rides which last 90 seconds. The weather in Florida during the summer can be compared to Vietnam or the Amazon.

There is only one place which sells beer in Disney Land itself and you will need to stand in line for that too.

I strongly reccomend you try one or both of the big water parks in Orlando. The water parks (Wet N Wild and Disney's Blizzard Beach) are a blast for kids and adults.

Both Universal Studios and Bush Gardens are much more fun for the kids than Disney.

Zanesville is about 2.5 hours south of Cedar Point Amusement park which is in Sandusky, OH. In my opinion this is the best amusement park in the US.

Your route also takes you close to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge Tennessee in the Smokey Mountains. This is a very beautiful area but will be crowded in the summer. There is not much else to see along I75.

If you decide to see Memphis, be careful. This is a pretty rough city.

Welcome to America. please secure your valuables.